I REFER to the request by Malaysia National Sikh Movement president Tan Sri Darshan Singh and DAP chairman Karpal Singh to declare Vaisakhi a public holiday “Sikhs want national Vaisakhi holiday,” (The Star, April 8).
The over 200,000 Sikhs may be a minority, but they are visible in almost every activity in the country.
The stories of the armed forces and police are incomplete without the mention of the Sikhs.
They were the pioneer policemen in the country and later on played a major role in ensuring peace and security of the nation.
The later generations of mainly lawyers, doctors, engineers and other professionals continued to make significant contributions to the nation.
They also had some outstanding sportsmen who excelled in track and games.
Even from the early days we heard names like Nashatar Singh, Dilbargh Singh Kler and Santokh Singh who made the nation proud at local and international sports meets.
A community that has done so much should be given some acknowledgment.
In 2008, the Government appointed a senator from among the Sikhs in recognition of their contributions and to give them some political representation.
This gesture alone will not embrace the collective emotional, cultural and spiritual sentiments of a community for a long time.
If a religious or culturally significant day is made a holiday, it has considerable effect and meaning to any community.
KAY ARR,
Penang.
STAR - Letter section - 13/4/2010
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